Legionnaires Disease

Comments (0)

Transcript of Legionnaires Disease

Legionnaires Disease By: Hannah Ghanie! What is Legionnaires Diseaseand When was it Discovered? Who does this Affect? Anyone can get Legionnaires disease, however middle aged men and women, and seniors are more at risk. Also you are more vulnerable if you smoke, if you have diabetes, cancer, or chronic kidney disease. Also if you have a weak immune system. Usually it is fatal to 5 to 15 pecent of anyone with this disease. Signs and Symptoms can cause Pontiac fever (mild flu)pneumoniaunwellness fatigueheadache muscle aches diarrhea and abdominal pain How to test for Legionnaires Disease! Legionnaires disease is a severe pneumonia that affects your respiratory system, specifically, your lungs. Is also known as legionellosis. This organism was first discovered in 1971 at an American Legion conference in Philadelphia. 221 people mysteriously got sick, and 34 people died. At first it was believed to be food poisoning, but it was soon realized they inhaled this bacteria and this disease was later named after these first known victims. What are the Causes? Legionella bacteria are usually found in aquatic environments and in soil, and multiply when they are near algae and organic matter. This disease is obtained by inhaling airborne water droplets containing legionellae. Modern cooling towers can transmit this disease easily because it causes the bacteria to get into the air. These towers spray very tiny drops of water into the air, therefore the smaller the drops of water, the more efficient the towers. Some water towers could also be contaminated with algae, which we know encourages the growth of this bacteria. As well, when the legionella bacteria meet with ventilated areas, evaporated water that is contaminated could potentially get into these vents, which would allow this bacteria to infect people even when they are inside. You cannot get Legionellosis just by touching another person. Temperatures for the survival of Legionella Legionella It's necessary to separate the bacteria from your blood, your septum, and/or lung tissue samples. Looking for antibodies in blood or urine is the easiest way to diagnose the presence of Legionella. It may take a few tests to get reliable test results. Treatment(s) Available Antibiotics are to be taken if you have Legionellosis. Two common antibiotics used to treat this disease are erythromycin and rifampin. There is no way to fully protect yourself from it however you can take these precautions:•try to avoid getting viral respiratory infections like the common cold and influenza•clean shower heads, hot tubs, etc. on a regular basis•don't smoke•get the flu shot every year•have water-cooling equipment cleaned regualy•wash your hands after contact with people ENTER Effects of the Treatment Some side effects of taking the drugs erythromycin and rifampin is diarrhea and hypothermia Cost of treatment You can get these drugs from your local pharmacy! rifampin erythromycin FuN fAcTs! A case of legionnella occured 2 years ago before the serious outbreak in 1976 and 11 people were fell ill. However that went unnoticed.This disease is caught by most people during the summer and early fall seasons (around this time of year!).